Summer is officially over, but why not look to the joyous events coming up this month, such as Diwali – the festival of light? Celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is an occasion marked by trails of candles, fireworks and scrumptious food.
This year, Diwali falls on Sunday 12 November 2023. For anyone hoping to celebrate Diwali in London, here is a list of the best events on offer.
1. Finding Diwali at the National Maritime Museum
South Asian arts collective COMMONGROUND& have curated the Diwali programme at the National Maritime Museum this November. Come watch live events, learn more about the rituals, and then join an atmospheric light parade through Greenwich as the sun sets. Highlights include live performances from Akademi, who will lead an interactive workshop of folk dances from Rajasthan in North-Western India, and a DJ set from Tara Kumar.
Where: National Maritime Museum
When: Saturday 11 November, 10am-7pm
Website: rmg.co.uk/finding-diwali
Price: Free
Book online
2. Diwali at Dishoom
Director, creative consultant and DJ Almass Badat has curated an evening of live music, dance and more from some of the UK’s leading South Asian talent for Dishoom’s Diwali event. Expect South Asian talent like all-women entertainment troupe Eternal Taal, who blend DJing and dancing; BollySass & Friends from London's cabaret-Bollywood scene and DJ Ritu & San J Sanj, all fuelled by classic vegetarian and vegan dishes from the Dishoom menu.
Where: The Steel Yard, Canon Street
When: Wednesday 8 November
Website: dishoom.com/diwali
Price: £18
Book online
3. Diwali Family Celebration Day at Museum of the Home
East London's Museum of the Home launches its Winter Festival with a Diwali Family Celebration Day on 19 November. You can expect crafts, Bollywood dancing, and painting beautiful Diya lamps – and the event is open to everyone. Why not dance like a Bollywood star (complete with costumes) or design a Rangoli?
Plus, enjoy a new commission by artist Chila Burman on the building's garden roof, representing the powerful Hindu god Shiv Ji and explore Diwali displays throughout the museum.
Where: Museum of the Home, Hoxton
When: Sunday 19 November 2023
Website: museumofthehome.org.uk/diwali-family-celebration-day
Price: Free (suggested fee £5 donation)
4. Diwali at Marble Hill in association with English Heritage
Nutkhut presents Diwali at Marble Hill in association with English Heritage this year. Visitors can take part in a Bhangra workshop or meet giant puppets at Marble Hill, Henrietta Howard’s Georgian villa nestled on the banks of the river Thames. The day finishes with a lantern parade to the Thames, and better yet, all workshops are free.
Where: Marble Hill, Twickenham
When: Saturday 11 November, 2pm-8pm
Website: english-heritage.org.uk
Price: Free
Book online
5. Diwali Supperclub at Kricket White City
Modern Indian restaurant Kricket (the White City branch) is putting on a Diwali supper club on the day of the festival. Kricket co-founder and head chef Will Bowlby will be serving up a traditional vegetarian Thali to mark the festival. Tickets include a welcome drink, snacks, your Thali and a selection of traditional sweets.
The meal starts with chevda (an array of savoury snacks) and papads (poppadoms), accompanied by three chutneys. These are followed by kale and red onion pakoras, parsnip and paneer kebabs, wild mushroom samosas, aloo gobi and more.
Where: Kricket, White City branch
When: Monday 13 November
Website: kricket.co.uk/thali-diwali
Price: £40
Book online
6. Diwali menu at Kahani
For just three days, smart Chelsea restaurant Kahani will dish a special Diwali menu overseen by Michelin-starred chef Peter Joseph. Dishes include berry papdi chaat, paneer tikka and tandoor lamb chops, all served with dal, naan and rice.
Where: Kahani, Chelsea
When: Friday 10-Sunday 12 November
Website: kahanilondon.com
Price: £60
7. Desi Diwali at Heaven
Heaven's first-ever Desi Diwali night takes place this weekend. Head to the Villiers Street nightclub from 10pm to dance to Bhangra and Bollywood (as well as urban, hip hop and EDM) music from three DJs across two rooms.
Where: Heaven, Soho
When: Sunday 12 November
Website: g-a-yandheaven.co.uk
Price: £5
Book online
8. Diwali in London
The Mayor of London’s free annual family Diwali event kicked off on Sunday 29 October with 200 dancers in the main square, followed by a street food marketplace, live performances from Soho Theatre Comedy and activities including dance workshops, yoga and meditation, and sari and turban tying.
Where: Trafalgar Square
When: Sunday 29 October, 1-7pm
Website: diwaliinlondon.com
Price: Free